In OB operations, explosives or munitions are destroyed by self-sustained
combustion, which is ignited by an external source, such as flame, heat, or a
detonatable wave. In OD operations, detonatable explosives and munitions are
destroyed by a detonation, which is generally initiated by the detonation of an
energetic charge.

Description:

Figure 4-23: Typical Open Burning Pan and Cage
Open burn (OB) and open detonation (OD) operations are conducted to
destroy excess, obsolete, or unserviceable (EOU) munitions and energetic materials. In OB
operations, energetics or munitions are destroyed by self-sustained combustion, which is
ignited by an external source, such as flame, heat, or a detonation wave. In this case, an
auxilliary fuel may be added to initiate and sustain the combustion of materials. In OD
operations, detonatable explosives and munitions are destroyed by a detonation, which is
generally initiated by the detonation of an energetic charge.

In the past, OB/OD
generally occured in the surface of the land or in pits. Recently, burn trays and blast
boxes are being used in an attempt to control and contain the destruction of energetics
and resulting contaminants/emissions. In detonation processes the blast box may be below
grade and covered with soil to further minimize the release of emissions.

OB/OD operations can destroy many types of explosives, pyrotechnics, and propellants.
OB areas must be able to withstand accidental detonation of any or all energetics being
destroyed, unless the operating OB technicians recognize that the characteristics of the
materials involved are such that orderly burning without detonation can be ensured.
Personnel with this type of knowledge must be consulted before any attempt is made at OB
disposal, especially if primary explosives are present in any quantity.

OB and OD can be initiated either by electric, burning, or energetic charge ignition
systems. In general, electric systems are preferable because they provide better control
over the timing of the initiation. In an electric system, electric current heats a bridge
wire, which ignites a primary explosive or pyrotechnic, which, in turn, ignites or
detonates the material slated to be burned or detonated. If necessary, safety fuses, which
consists of propellants wrapped in plastic weather stripping, are used to initiate the
burn or detonation. In some cases, scrap energetics or dried activated carbon from
pink/red water treatment may be used as the initiation charge.

Synonyms:

NA

Applicability:

OB/OD can be used to destroy excess, obsolete, or unserviceable (EOU)
munitions, components, energetic materials, as well as, media contaminated with
energetics.

Limitations:

The following factors may limit the applicability and effectiveness of the
process:

In addition, with growing OB/OD restriction, DOD's ability to treat energetic wastes is
diminishing and energetics disposal, through OB/OD, may be eliminated.

Data Needs:

A detailed discussion of these data elements is provided in Subsection 2.2.1 (Data Requirements for Soil, Sediment,
and Sludge). Specific data required to evaluate the potential use of OB/OD operations
include:

Teer, R.G., R.E. Brown, and H.E. Sarvis, June 1993. Status of
RCRA Permitting of Open Burning and Open Detonation of Explosive Wastes,
Presented at Air and Waste Management Association Conference, 86th Annual Meeting and
Exposition, Denver, CO.

A list of vendors offering
In Situ Physical/Chemical Treatment is available from EPA
REACH IT which combines information from three established EPA databases,
the Vendor Information System for Innovative Treatment Technologies (VISITT),
the Vendor Field Analytical and Characterization Technologies System (Vendor
FACTS), and the Innovative Treatment Technologies (ITT), to give users access to
comprehensive information about treatment and characterization technologies and
their applications.